How Long Do Seeds Last?

Many seeds can last for years before planting. The exact number of years varies by plant. Gardener Scott shows the expected viability time of vegetable garden plants and demonstrates how to do home seed viability tests to check old seeds. (Video #333)

Some other sources for expected seed viability:

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[brianseybert]

I have to say... as it may go unnoticed, your videos are very well orchestrated. No shaky cameras, no zooming in and out like you are on a roller-coaster, your editing is flawless and as always, your demeanor.
So much enjoyment and terrific information from your videos.
Thanks again Gardener Scott.

[untermench]

I had a packet of Tomato seeds that lasted twelve years. They might have lasted longer, based on the near 100% germination rate, but I finally ran out of seeds. My secret is to keep my seeds in a sealed 'Tupper Ware' type container in the freezer.

[jturie]

seed suppliers list much shorter viability years. Then again, they are in business to sell seeds. Thanks for this great info.

[stevekirkby]

Yep, brilliant to show this... I usually grow from what I have, and mostly everything lasts longer than expected :)

[DiggingForHealth]

Great video! I have had success with tons of "old" seeds too! Only a handful of varieties don't do well when stored too long. I say plant extra seeds and see what happens!

[d.w.]

Literally answers the question in the first 30 seconds. Thank you, sir!!

[bwittem]

I sowed cherry tomato seeds from 2007 last year. They grew just fine. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Never hurts to plant a seed and see what happens.

[danielcharbonneau]

Excellent information Thanks Scott. The garden center that I shop at told me to buy my seeds every second year and no longer. {Selling ploy} Now I know that seeds can last 5 plus years.

[tamaracross]

I received a "vintaged" seed collection from 1985 from a friend and I know they will sprout. I think I'll grow a few of them this year. They were store in a dry basement in a zip lock bag.

[Quarius]

Hello😃 this is exactly what I wanted to hear.
I didn't even have to search was right from the start.
Thank you for sharing your valuable information🌻🌼👍

[simhifree]

Great topic! I believe that the date on seed packets is similar to the dates put on food and drinks. There is a difference between the Best Sell By Date and the Expiration Date. Seeds can last decades or hundreds i.e. Archeologists have found ancient seeds and grown them successfully.

[vvolpe]

I've started saving my seeds a couple of years ago and planting them year after year with great success and even harvesting seeds from the plants I grow. I usually "gift" seeds to friends and neighbors if I have an overabundance. Good to know I am not at the mercy of the seed companies every season! I am so glad to get confirmation you can't just harvest seeds from supermarket produce to try to grow. I didn't think you could, but others have tried telling me otherwise.

[rmoretz]

I 1st watched on the 27th and put it into effect immediately by going through my seeds and performed a viability test on onions, beans, and lettuce. Germination for the onions was 90+%; beans were 100%; lettuce was 90-100% depending on variety. The seeds were 3 years old. This has enabled me to not purchase seeds for these this year in these categories. The only failures were with some pelleted lettuce seed that were 2 years old. Thank you so much for this information. Appreciate your videos.

[heidiclark]

Thank You Gardener Scott! I have always been baffled by how long a seed will be viable. Since I am a seed-a -holic I am glad to hear that the seeds I have will last a little bit longer.

[anthonybarnes]

Thanks Scott! I bought a variety of seeds but moved and no longer have a yard for a garden. I have them stored in sealed plastic bags and hope they sprout when I am able to have a garden again- this gave me hope!

[eliandkate]

this was an absolutely stunning idea - nice to have everything laid out for us to help us make decisions. Thank you :D

[reneebru]

I’m SO happy!!!! I bought tons of heirloom seeds a couple years ago. I’m so glad I came across your video Scott! Thank you!🙏 🎉

[nikkitronic]

Another great video! Thank you Gardener Scott! I have learned so much from you this year and am excited to continue learning in the years to come. Thank you so much for doing what you do!
Happy gardening!
❤️🌱❤️🌱❤️🌱❤️🌱❤️🌱❤️

[Truthfully]

Best video for me. I have a small terrace garden and could not grow more than five six plants of any vegetables but seeds are in excess as even the smallest packet contains more. Was looking for right answers and through you I got in touch with entire bunch of geniuses.Thanks I am joining you and your followers ❤️❤️

[anthonyraines]

I've often wondered this. Thank you!